UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
RECRUITMENT ROLE PROFILE FORM

Job Title: Research Fellow in Nanomaterials Characterisation

School/Department: Nottingham Nanotechnology & Nanoscience Centre

Salary: Salary will be within the range £28,695 - £37,394 per annum depending on qualifications and experience

Job Family and Level: Research & Teaching level 4

Contract Status: This post is available from 1st January 2016 (permanent)

Hours of Work: 36.25 hours

Location: Nano Centre, Cripps South Building, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD

Reporting to: Prof. Andrei Khlobystov

The Purpose of the New Role:

The Research Fellow will run and further develop the Raman microscopy & spectroscopy facilities in the new Nano Centre, and to take charge of the particle sizing suite (NanoSight, iZone, DLS). The research officer must have good knowledge and practical skills at the postdoctoral level in micro- and nano-materials characterisation, and Raman spectroscopy, which are essential for method development and finding non-standard solutions for research challenges presented by University of Nottingham researchers and external users, thus giving the Centre a leading edge in this field. Furthermore, the contribution of the Research Fellow is essential for developing the Centre’s strategic collaborations with industrial and academic partners.

Main Responsibilities:

% time per year
1. / Operation, maintenance and management of Raman microscopy & spectroscopy facilities including the following tasks:
·  Discussing with UoN researchers and external users their needs for Raman experiments;
·  Development and optimisation of experimental procedures for different materials and structures;
·  Performing Raman measurements and providing experimental data in a timely manner;
·  Assisting with data interpretation;
·  Ensuring safety in the Raman laboratory;
·  Technical maintenance of Raman instrumentation, working closely with instrument manufactures and workshops;
·  Ensuring efficient usage of Raman facilities by maintaining a booking system;
·  Active soliciting academic researchers and industrial partners to use the Raman facilities;
·  Assisting with preparation of research proposals involving Raman spectroscopy and microscopy;
·  Actively contributing to research publications and reports based on Raman measurements;
·  Carry out services rendered work for external clients as required. / 50%
2. / Training new users on Raman microscope including the following tasks:
·  Introducing to principles of Raman microscopy and spectroscopy;
·  Ensuring compliance of the users with laser safety protocols;
·  Carrying out practical training of all new users;
·  Assisting with non-standard measurements as required;
·  Adapting and developing instrumentation to meet requirements of the broadest spectrum of the users. / 20%
3. / Operation, maintenance and management of particle sizing facilities including the following tasks:
·  Maintaining particle sizing facilities in good working order;
·  Training researchers and industrial users as required;
·  Carrying out services rendered work as required;
·  Developing new particle sizing methodologies and adapting the existing instruments for specific research challenges of the users. / 10%
4. / Running user forums and equipment events including the following tasks
·  Informing users about latest upgrades and modifications of the Raman and particle sizing instrumentation;
·  Coordinate Raman users forum to receive feedback from the users;
·  Run an annual Raman equipment event educating the users about this method, and initiating interdisciplinary collaborations. / 5%
5. / Monitoring research outputs and writing reports including the following tasks
·  Monthly reporting on status of Raman spectrometer and particle sizing facilities to the Nano Centre Management Committee;
·  Gathering information about research outputs generated from Raman and particle sizing instrumentation, including publications, research grants, new collaborations, and any industrial engagement.
·  Monitoring financial outputs, including income gerenrated from access charges and services rendered work. / 5%
6. / Contributing to the development of research grant applications and equipment bids. / 5%
7. / Contributing to the public engagement and outreach activities including University Open Days, exhibitions and school visits. / 5%

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Essential / Desirable
Qualifications/ Education / Applicant has a good first degree, and has completed a scientific doctorate. / Technical skills in maintaining Raman spectroscopy and particle sizing equipment.
Skills/Training / Proven ability in innovative and effective experimental research / characterisation of nanomaterials.
In-depth knowledge and experience Raman spectroscopy and microscopy.
Good knowledge and practical skills in particle size measurements.
Good practical skills in sample preparation for nanoscale analysis. / Laser equipment safety.
Understanding of associated analytical techniques relevant to nanomaterials (e.g. TEM, SEM, EDS, XPS, XRD etc.).
Experience / Good communication skills both, orally and in written English, suitable for the preparation of scientific reports and publications.
A strong track record in collaborative multi- and interdisciplinary research.
Experience in training researchers.
Experience in managing research facilities. / Well organised and self-motivated, with the ability to manage the day-to-day running of projects, identify research objectives and carry out appropriate research activities within a given time-scale.
Experience of collaborative projects between industry and academia.
A good publication record in international peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.
Track record of successful grant applications.
Decision Making

i)  taken independently by the role holder

Day to day decisions regarding best practice in the laboratory, experimental data acquisition and interpretation, interaction with users, managing access and maintaining the Raman and particle sizing facilities.

ii)  taken in collaboration with others

Decisions regarding the prioritisation of research, training of new users, outreach activities and industrial engagement.

iii)  referred to the appropriate line managers (Prof. Khlobystov) by the role holder

Decisions which impact upon laboratory safety (e.g. high risk experiments).

Additional Information

The Centre values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.